Vol. 539 No. 3
133 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the £75 charge for the issue of a certificate of analysis to a complainant in respect of unfit food complaints or complaints regarding poor hygiene standards. [19409/01]
162 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether charges connected with certificates of analysis in relation to poor hygiene standards can act as a disincentive to complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19519/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 162 together.
Food complaints which are reported to the health boards are investigated as a matter of routine. The resulting investigation can often include a laboratory analysis of the food sample by a public analyst or microbiologist. Complainants are informed of the results of the investigation, including the results of any laboratory test. Should a complainant require a copy of the certificate of analysis, an administrative charge of £75 is imposed.
In 1989 my Department conducted a review of the procedures operated by health boards when dealing with food complaints and found that procedures varied from area to area, giving rise to difficulties. In the circumstances it was decided to introduce a uniform procedure for dealing with complaints from the public about unfit food and £75 was deemed to be an appropriate fee for the laboratory report. The fee has not been revised since 1989 and I think that it would be reasonable to expect given inflation since that date, and considering the charges imposed by private sector laboratories, that any review of the current £75 fee would result in an increase.
I am satisfied that the imposition of this charge does not act as a disincentive to prospective complainants as the fee only arises when a copy of the certificate of analysis is required. In such circumstances the person generally intends to take a civil action in respect of the purchase of unfit food and in this regard a fee of £75 for a laboratory analysis and certificate is not considered excessive.
